Pontiac's Z Killer? 300 horses rumored for 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe

Pontiac claims 260 horsepower for now. The turbo Ecotec is capable of more -- much more -- and so the Solstice GXP targa coupe could be advertised at 300 horsepower or more some time after it arrives in showrooms early next year, posing a serious threat to the upcoming 2010 Nissan 370Z, which Pontiac lists as a competitor.

Two things: First, the extra horses, courtesy more turbo boost, intercooling and a new fuel rail, will be available in the GXP convertible, too, and only with the manual gearbox in either coupe or convertible (automatics will be stuck at 260). Second, that's still about 30 horses shy of the 370Z, if the Infiniti G37 is any guide. But the 3.7 is a V-6, of course.

The 300-horsepower Ecotec turbo is probably a short-term engine, as expected interim Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards before the 2020 rule aren't likely to be kind to such high output. The targa coupe also will come with the 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter Ecotec engine.

The car's hatch opens as the rear glass, only, making for better cargo space than the convertible, or about as much as a Mazda Miata's. That means there's no room for stowing the targa roof, so Pontiac plans to offer a folding cloth top for rain emergencies. Pontiac made only minor changes to the body, with a new taillamp assembly to flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline. Manufacturer's curb weight is up 31 pounds, to 2930 for the 2.4-liter and 3018 pounds for the GXP.

GM plans no Saturn Sky coupe, although Opel will need one for its Sky-based GT.